Marco Island Marriott plans expansion

A plan to expand the Marco Island Marriott is sparking some controversy. Those in favor say the project will bring business to the area, but not everyone is convinced.

The hotel's ideal location on Collier Boulevard provides guests with the luxuries of a five-star hotel in paradise. Hotel management said their goal, now, is to expand. They hope the expansion, which will include a new rooftop pool, restaurant and water structure, will earn them the title of a JW Property.

Real estate agent Ken Kenaf said he likes the idea.

"With it being elevated to the top as a JW, I expect we will attract more people, not only from the United States but from Europe," Kenaf said.

He said the high ranking gives people that "let's go see it" feeling. But before the hotel can get the new title, management said, they must expand. Kenaf believes the expansion and new title will not only benefit the hotel, but also the community.

"People will then be more attracted to this area and that will definitely help the value of real estate," Kenaf said.

Kenaf believes the expansion will benefit the community by adding jobs and bringing in more revenue from tourists, but not everyone agrees.

"It'll be a disaster if this comes on the island," said Marco Island resident Cheryl Lee. She worries the expansion will only bring more people, more traffic and, ultimately, more problems.

"As a person who has moved here from another area of the country, New York, which is always congested with construction work, we don't want that here," Lee said.

The council meeting to discuss the plan starts Monday at 5 p.m. Afterward, there will be time for public comment, when residents can give their input.